God’s Beauty Around Us
We have had family from England visiting for the last couple of weeks. The last few times they visited it was always summer, which was great for them as our summers here are much hotter than English summers! We were taking a drive down from Erie to Pittsburgh one day, and we were all admiring the colours of the trees and commenting on how they had become so vibrant in a matter of days. I made a comment about how I was glad they were here now as it would become dreary in a few weeks.
But that random comment stuck with me and bothered me for a while. I was considering something dreary that God has created! Granted, compared to the vibrant Fall colours, the winter months are certainly not as colourful, but winter has a beauty all its own. After living in the United States for 23 years, I appreciate when we have UK visitors because it helps me to stop and appreciate what is around me, things I have started to take for granted. Like winter!
Winter is my favourite season. My family is Christmas crazy and my kids pull out all the stops in clothing and decorations. I love winter boots, jeans and sweaters, candles and the blazing wood stove in the living room. The cold never feels too cold, especially with hot chocolate, warm cookies, and the warmth of family ever present. And the snow!! We still seem to be the crazy British people who are playing in the snow when everyone else is inside dreaming of spring!!!
“You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.” Nehemiah 9:6
“He covers the heavens with clouds; prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry.” Psalm 147:8-9
Psalm 19:1: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands".
These are just a few of the scriptures that talk about nature and creation. Some of my very favourite verses in scripture are found in Job chapters 37-39. I encourage you to read and meditate on them, and left the awe and beauty of God’s creation sink into your very bones. It’s awe-inspiring! Join me in determining to always look around at the beauty, and not see dreary!
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:6
About the Author:
Corinne and her hubby Allan moved to the States from England over 20 years ago, and have pastored in a small town in NW PA ever since. They have 10 lovely children, and they have her whole heart; raising them in Christ is her true calling. 3 John 1:4 Corinne has no greater joy than to hear that her children are walking in the truth!